If you want to fail at this thing called the Christian life ... then in addition to diminishing the Bible's importance in your life you must also:
Step #2 Throw spiritual discipline out the window!
The Apostle Paul makes it quite clear if you want to grow in godliness, you must learn to practice discipline. Here is how he puts it: "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
The English word, "train" is a translation of the Greek word, "gymnao." If this word sounds a little familiar, it should. Our English words "gymnasium" and "gymnastics" are derived from this Greek word. Now ... let me ask you a question. What goes on in a gym? You could answer with a long list of activities. But ... no matter the activity, if the participants are going after it hard, there is going to be a lot of good old fashioned sweat being produced! Because perspiration and physical exertion go hand-in-hand. In using this term --- Paul is thinking of the athletic realm and he is saying this. If you really want to be godly, you are going to have to really work at it - so much so that you work up a spiritual sweat (see 1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
So ... if you really want to fail to grow in your faith, then by all means avoid any type of strenuous effort. Strict training? Forget it! Avoid any kind of discipline. Instead, give in to the lusts and desires of your body and sinful flesh. After all, it's a lot EASIER to be lazy than disciplined!
Step #3 coming tomorrow, God willing!
Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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